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Nobody wants to look like a nerd. Fortunately, teeth straightening alternatives have come a long way since the days of heavy metal wires and brackets. There is a new ways that you can close your tooth gap without the use of bulky headgear.

You can now still maintain a professional look while closing your tooth gap at the same time. The new option is a removable band called “Teeth Effects” from the company Teeth Gap. Teeth Gap patients wear removable clear compressor bands that wrap around the two teeth with the excess space between them. The bands slowly pull the teeth together closing the tooth gap.

Teeth Gap has oral hygiene benefits because you can remove the bands to eat, drink, brush or floss your teeth. The bands are nearly invisible making it easy to fit in rather than calling attention to a mouth full of wires. Another benefit that makes Teeth effects the best alternative is the price. It is by far the cheapest way to close your gap. Teeth Gap customers save 100’s of dollars from using teeth effects rather than going to a dentist.

So if you are afraid to smile, rest easy. Now there is an affordable solution to close your gap and boost your self confidence.

Please visit teethgap.com teethgap.com to close your gap simply by wearing a band around your teeth.

Teeth Gap

A well-stocked kitchen can make the decision between cooking a healthy meal at home or running out for fast food or take-out. Here are some staples for the pantry that should always be on the grocery list and in your kitchen, so preparing snacks and planning meals is simple and convenient.

For the Refrigerator
Pre-cooked chicken and meats – already grilled or steamed. Ready to add to pasta, salads, stews, stir frys, and fajitas.

Pre-cut vegetables and fruits – found in the fresh produce section of supermarket. Veggies are perfect for stir frys and pastas. Fruits are ready for snacking, salads or smoothies.

Shredded cheeses – found in the cheese or deli section of supermarket. Great way to save time when making your favorite Italian and Mexican dishes.

Fresh dips and salsas – found in cheese and meat sections of supermarket. Can spice up sandwiches, raw vegetables, crackers, pasta, and baked potatoes. Store in freezer or refrigerator for last minute get-togethers, meals and snacks.

Pizza and bread dough – found in the freezer or refrigerator section of supermarket. Let each family member create their own meal with lots of healthy topping options.

Dairy Products
Choose pasteurized, whole milk and dairy products for those under 5 years old. Some pediatricians say to cut back on whole milk products as young as 3 years old, and introduce low and skim milk options. Be sure to check dates on packages to be sure you’re getting the freshest and longest lasting.

Yogurt – particularly plain yogurt which you can add your own fruit and purees. For those under one year, be sure the yogurt is made from whole milk and active cultures. Soy yogurt is an option for those who are lactose intolerant. Plain yogurt is also a good base for salad dressings, smoothies, sauces and a healthy alternative to sour cream for topping baked potatoes, and Mexican foods.

Milk – you may have a few different types of milk (whole, low fat and non-fat) for family members based on age and diet. Soy and rice milk are also good alternatives, especially for those with allergies and lactose intolerance. Have on hand for drinking, making smoothies and baking.

Cheeses – soft cream cheese makes great dips and spreads for all ages. Adding calcium to your family’s diet is as easy as sprinkling fresh parmesan over pastas and vegetables. Cheddar cheese is always welcome for sandwiches and homemade macaroni and cheese. Cottage, ricotta and goat cheeses can be part of a healthy meal or snack. Pre-shredded and grated cheeses are very convenient for Italian and Mexican favorites.

Eggs – eggs can make all kinds of quick meals by themselves – omelets, egg salad, frittatas and quiches. Some kids think “breakfast for dinner” is a fun family meal. Choose cage free and organic for the least exposure to harmful bacteria.

For the Freezer
Fresh is usually best for taste and nutrients, however frozen can be convenient stand-by. Frozen items such as peas and blueberries make convenient finger foods for older babies and toddlers. Frozen poultry, meats and fish will create all kinds of meals.

Don’t forget to use the freezer for left-overs and storage to create your own convenient “frozen dinners”. Your baby’s purees, as well as sauces and broths store beautifully in ice cube trays and zip top bags.

For the Pantry
Dried Foods
Bread, grains and pastas are good sources of carbohydrates that can be the basis for a quick and healthy meal. Some dried beans and legumes require more cooking time and preparation but are economical and healthy.

Pasta – this can be any shape or size, so you’re ready to make spaghetti, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, udon, and soups. Best choices are egg-less noodles for those under 12 months and wheat semolina for those over 12 months.

Dried Grains – these include couscous, quinoa, polenta and risotto. These make good side dishes to meats and fish dishes as well as appropriate main dish with steamed vegetables or stews. A good staple for Indian and Mediterranean dishes.

Beans and legumes – these include lentils, red kidney beans, garbanzo beans, black beans, and white beans. You’re prepared for healthy dips such as hummus and black bean, as well as side dishes, soups and salads.

Breads – including pita, multi-grain, lavosh, bagels, and tortillas. Different breads allow for various stuffings. Create healthy pizzas, burritos, wraps, sandwiches and more.

Rice – infant rice for first meals and to mix in with vegetable and fruit purees. Brown rice makes a good and healthy companion for Asian stir fry, and Mexican dishes.

Dried fruits – these are great healthy snacks alone, as well as good mix-ins for yogurt, granola, oatmeal, and cottage cheese.

Breakfast cereals – these include muesli, granola, low sugar cereals, oat bran, wheat germ, and oatmeal. It’s also easy to make your own cereal mix by simply combining your favorite grains such as rolled oats, toasted wheat germ, and oat bran with dried fruit.

Canned and Jarred Foods
Some canned foods are high in fat, sodium and sugar, but many are also high in nutritional value. Check the labels to identify those with the least additives. These include: light tuna in water, organic natural nut butters, all-fruit spread, beans, and tomatoes. Be sure to thoroughly rinse canned beans and vegetables to eliminate extra sodium and oils. Remember low sodium broths and stocks for poaching and boiling meats and vegetables, as well as creating your own soups.

Condiments and Spices
A good supply of bottled sauces, condiments, oils, herbs and spices will allow for lots of creativity. Ingredients such as naturally brewed soy sauce, mustards, ketchup, salad dressings, tomato paste, and Worcheshire give flavor to many dishes as well as create many dips and sandwich spread options.
Use healthy oils such as olive and canola for cooking and baking as well as preparing dressings and marinades. Vinegars such as balsamic are also a good way to add flavor. Remember to refrigerate after opening.

Herbs and spices are best when fresh, but even dried can wake-up a boring food. If possible buy whole herbs and grind them yourself (a clean coffee grinder works well) for maximum flavor.

Lisa Barnes is the owner of Petit Appetit, a cooking service devoted to the health and nutrition of infants and toddlers. She is the author of The Petit Appetit Cookbook (Penguin, March 2005) and teaches cooking classes to parents in Northern California, who want to provide fresh, healthy, organic foods to their family. For information and to sign up for a free newsletter visit petitappetit.com petitappetit.com.

Well… it’s the middle of summer and a great time for barbecuing. There are lots of contests and festivals going on in the weeks and months to come. I saw an ad in our local newspaper for a Bikes and BBQ festival that should be fun since I love BBQ and riding my Harley Sportster. One thing I like about Blues, Bikes, and BBQ… is they raise a lot of money for charities.

For instance, the Savannah Bikes and BBQ festival has a poker run that benefits the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. And we get to eat BBQ afterwards! Most barbecue contests help promote local charities or the chamber of commerce. Not only are these events great fun, they help other people out at the same time. So… get out and attend the next BBQ festival in your area!

Did you ever notice that Blues and BBQ go hand in hand? Maybe the origin of this “connection” goes back to Beale Street in Memphis – home of the Blues and home to some of the best BBQ restaurants in the world. And don’t forget… Kansas city is known for it’s Blues, Jazz, and BBQ too. So, at the next BBQ festival in your area, maybe you can ride your bike there or check out everybody else’s bikes and listen to some good blues music.

Here’s a great recipe for Brunswick Stew that goes good with BBQ. Try it at your next BBQ cookout. This is a recipe from Spanky’s which is a favorite local restaurant here in Savannah. Brunswick Stew originated about an hour south of here near Brunswick Georgia so it is a favorite side dish here in the “low country”…

Brunswick Stew

First the sauce:
In a 2 quart sauce pan, over low heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter then add:
1 3/4 cups Catsup
1/4 cup French’s Yellow Mustard
1/4 cup white vinegar

Blend until smooth, then add:
1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 oz. Liquid Smoke
1 oz. Worcestershire Sauce
1 oz. Crystal Hot Sauce or 1/2 oz. Tabasco
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Blend until smooth, then add:
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
Stir constantly, increase heat to simmer (DO NOT BOIL) for approx. 10 minutes.
Makes approx. 3 1/2 cups of sauce (set aside – to be added later).

Then The Stew:
In a 2 gallon pot, over low heat melt 1/4 lb of butter then add:
3 cups small diced potatoes
1 cup small diced onion
2 14 1/2 oz. cans of chicken broth
1 lb baked chicken (white and dark)
8-10 oz. smoked pork

Bring to a rolling boil, stirring until potatoes are near done, then add:
1 8 1/2 oz. can early peas
2 14 1/2 oz. cans stewed tomatoes – (chop tomatoes, add liquid to the stew pot)
The prepared sauce (above)
1 16 oz. can of baby lima beans
1/4 cup Liquid Smoke
1 14 1/2 oz. can creamed corn
Slow simmer for 2 hours

Yields 1 gallon

For more information on slow smoking competition quality ribs, butts, chicken, and brisket, please visit Bill Anderson’s web site at bbq-book.com bbq-book.com

Who doesn’t love solving a good mystery? Is the Loch Ness monster real? Who built Stonehenge? Does Big Foot really exist? What is the world’s best coffee? While you may need to be an expert to solve the first three, no advanced degree or special knowledge is required to unravel one of the greatest mysteries of the 21st century: What is the world’s best coffee?

All you need to solve this caffeinated mystery is equip yourself with the right information. And, thanks to the Internet, finding the information for your coffee trekking adventure is as easy as the click of a button. If you’re ready, grab your favorite coffee mug and join me as we head out to discover how you can find the world’s best coffee.

Learn How To Speak The Language

Before you embark on your journey to find the world’s best coffee, you’ll want to brush up on your coffee lingo. If you head out into the great unknown of Coffeeland and don’t have a good grasp on the language, all of your searching will be for nothing. Learn the language and you’ll understand what to look for in your coffee. A few important terms include:

Acidity

The acidity of a coffee determines how “sharp” it’ll taste. More acidity tends toward a bold coffee. Less acidity tends toward a milder cup.

Body

Like a wine, when talking about a coffee’s body, you’ll be referring to its “texture.” You’re likely to find terms such as heavy, light, and syrupy to describe a coffee’s body.

Flavor

Much like a wine’s bouquet, flavor refers to your overall sensory experience of the coffee. Terms you might hear a coffee connoisseur use include floral, nutty, smoky, spicy, and winy.

X Marks The Spot

Whether you’re finding buried treasure or the location of the world’s greatest coffees, you’ll need to discover where the x marks the spot. Coffee is grown in various regions around the world, including such differing locales as South America, Africa, and Indonesia.

To unravel the mystery of the world’s greatest coffee, you’ll need to learn the about the distinctive characteristics based on where and how it is grown. For example, coffee from Colombia is typically rich while coffees from Kenya often have a mildly sweet-tart flavor and coffees from Sumatra coffee are full-bodied and contain low acidity. Learning which regions produce the best coffees suited to your tastes is an important first step on solving the mystery. How do you learn which regions produce the best coffees for you? It’s really quite simple: start sampling coffees!

Follow Your Nose

If you truly want to find the best coffee, simply follow your nose. Good coffees and beans not only look good, but they smell wonderful, too. Fresh beans that have been well-roasted will fill your senses with an unmatchable aroma. Starting with premium beans such as Arabica, you’ll want to smell for the type of roast that fills your fancy. Popular roasts such as French, Italian, or American will give you a variety of coffees from mellow to bold. When you’ve sampled coffees that use premium beans and a variety of roasting techniques, you’ll begin to start zeroing in on the world’s best coffee and discovering what type of roast is your personal favorite, too.

What To Look For

As with any great mystery, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. If you were tracking Big Foot, you’d look for footprints. But, what do you look for when you’re trying to find the world’s greatest coffee? That’s a great question. Here are some key things to look for when choosing the ultimate cup.

Ask experts

Find a gourmet coffee shop where the baristas really know their coffee. Ask about roasting styles, types of beans, flavors of coffee. Be sure to taste test any coffees before buying!

Go fresh

The quality of coffee deteriorates rapidly after being roasted. In addition, the flavor weakens considerably as time passes after grinding. Look for freshly roasted coffee. Don’t be afraid to ask your coffee shop experts when, how, and where the beans have been roasted. If they don’t know, it’s not a good sign that the beans are fresh-so shop elsewhere. If you’re shopping in your market, check to see if the coffee has a “roasted on” date printed on the bag. Whatever you do, you’re always looking for the freshest you can find. Fresh is best!

Make It Au Natural

Look for all-natural ingredients in your coffees. Finding organically-grown, sustainable coffee crops are a great place to start. In addition, when choosing flavored coffees, be sure the flavoring is natural and not a chemical. Not only do the natural flavors taste better (like nuts, cinnamon, and chocolate), they’re sure to make you feel better about your choice, too.

Know Thyself

The most important thing to know when searching for the world’s greatest coffee is yourself. That’s right; the answer to the mystery of the world’s greatest coffee doesn’t come from some connoisseur or from some ancient book of coffee lore. No, the solution to the timeless mystery of great coffee comes simply down to what you prefer. If you arm yourself and your taste buds with the right information and know the correct questions to ask, and sample, sample, sample, you’ll soon find your favorite cup of coffee.

Your choice might not be your neighbor’s favorite, but who cares? You’re the one doing the drinking, so knowing yourself is the only thing that matters!

Jon Butt is the publisher of the-coffee-guide.com The Coffee Guide, an innovative website dedicated to all things coffee. From the-coffee-guide.com/coffee-beans.html beans to gourmet, espresso machines to coffee makers , espresso cups to just great tasting coffee, The Coffee Guide advises you on the best coffee products and top-rated suppliers